Richmond City Council Meeting - September 28, 2026

The Richmond City Council met on the evening of September 28, 2026, for a formal meeting that included public comments, a consent agenda, and a protracted debate over a proposed solar power purchase agreement (PPA) for 39 city-owned properties. The meeting was marked by procedural disputes, concerns about contract risk, and a last-minute deadline tied to federal tax credits. The council ultimately adopted the consent agenda but did not approve the solar PPA, instead continuing the remaining agenda items and adjourning with plans for a special meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda (items 2,3,4,5,7,10-13,15-19,20-26,27-31,33-37) was adopted unanimously except for Councilmember Gibson, who voted yes overall but opposed item 13 (ordinance 2026-195 regarding data sharing with Ernst & Young as part of an AI project). Items included resolutions on a trust policy (item 34), special use permits, and other routine approvals.
• Public comment in support of the trust policy was extensive, with speakers urging protection for immigrant communities and citing fear of ICE enforcement.
• One speaker opposed a duplex at 1003 Baywood (ordinance 2026-178), arguing a single-family home would better suit the neighborhood.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rochelle Gerber (3rd district) opposed ALPR surveillance cameras, stating they destroy police-community trust and are used to track minorities and law-abiding residents.
• Thomas Filippini (7th district) criticized Flock cameras, recounting his stolen car not being tracked and questioning police accountability.
• Michael Clark (4th district) urged council not to push through Code Refresh without listening to citizens.
• William Wilson (Jackson Ward, Homes for All Neighbors coalition) supported Code Refresh, arguing zoning reform is needed to address affordability and exclusion.
• Linda Azamiro complained about unsafe apartment conditions (gas fumes, flooding) at B Font apartments and said she had been to the ER multiple times.
• Multiple speakers (e.g., Cesar Carbalas, Sheila Hennessey, B. Chambers, and others) spoke in favor of the trust policy (item 34), emphasizing the need to protect immigrants and restore trust.
• During the solar PPA public hearing, over 20 speakers (including climate scientist Jeremy Hoffman, Sierra Club representatives, C3 staff, and industry experts) urged approval without delay, citing $19 million in savings over 25 years, the need to meet federal tax credit deadlines, and the opportunity to reduce reliance on Dominion Energy.

Discussion Items

• Agenda Amendments & Procedural Motion: The Clerk presented continuances for several items. Councilmember Abubacher moved to continue items 44-82 (solar PPA) to a future meeting, sparking debate about the timeline. After confusion, the motion to continue failed 5-4, and the items remained on the agenda.
• Solar Power Purchase Agreement (Items 44-82): The council debated the 39 ordinances authorizing leases and PPAs with Secure Solar Futures for rooftop solar installation. Key points:
  • The project would save an estimated $19 million over 25 years by locking in a fixed rate below Dominion's current rates, with no upfront cost to the city.
  • The vendor had ordered panels by June 25, 2025, triggering a 105-day safe harbor deadline; approval was needed by September 30, 2026, to secure federal tax credits.
  • Councilmember Abubacher and others proposed amendments (e.g., decommissioning bond, structural inspections), arguing the contract lacked protections present in Fairfax County's PPA. The administration stated only four amendments were feasible without jeopardizing bankability.
  • Councilmember Robertson cited a risk management report highlighting liability gaps (no roof inspections, default clauses) and asked for time to close those gaps.
  • Vice President Jordan and Councilmember Breton argued the risk was mitigated, the contract was vetted, and inaction would cost taxpayers.
  • The council rejected a motion to approve the papers and schedule a special meeting (4-5). A subsequent motion to enter closed session was not called.
• Remaining Agenda: After the solar vote, the council continued the last item (ordinance 2026-120, a special use permit on Meadow Street) to October 13, then voted to continue all remaining items and adjourn, with a plan for a special meeting on Wednesday, September 30, to possibly reconsider the solar PPA with amendments.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was adopted, including Resolution 2026 R034 directing the administration to draft a trust policy for immigrant communities.
• The solar PPA ordinances (items 44-82) were not approved. A motion to adopt them and schedule a special meeting failed 4-5 (Breton, Lynch, Jordan, Newbill in favor; Gibson, Jones, Robertson, Trammell, Abubacher opposed).
• The meeting adjourned after continuing the remaining agenda items and setting a special meeting for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to potentially revisit the solar agreements if the vendor and administration agree to the proposed amendments.
• The city missed the September 30 safe harbor deadline for the full tax credit benefit, though the administration indicated partial savings might still be possible if leases are approved within a short window.